Saint John Chrysostom, the Golden Trumpet of Orthodoxy

Life

The commemoration of this luminary of the Church is celebrated on November 13 and January 30. And on this date is celebrated the transfer of his holy relics from the Armenian village of Comana, where he died as an exile, to Constantinople where he had previously governed the Church as patriarch. When thirty years had passed since his death, Patriarch Proclus delivered a speech in memory of his spiritual father and teacher, and by this speech so enkindled the love of the people and of Emperor Theodosius the Younger toward the great saint, that all desired that Chrysostom's relics be transferred to Constantinople. It is related that the coffin with the relics could in no way be moved from its place until the emperor had written a letter to Chrysostom, asking him for forgiveness (for Theodosius's mother, Eudoxia, had been guilty of persecuting the saint) and calling upon him to come to Constantinople, his former residence. When this penitential letter was placed upon the coffin, the coffin became quite light. During the transfer, many sick people who touched the coffin were healed. When the relics arrived in the capital, then the emperor again prayed over the relics to the saint for forgiveness in the name of his mother, as if she herself were speaking: "While I lived a temporal life, I did you harm, but now when you live an immortal life, be beneficial to my soul. My glory has passed and does not help me at all; help me, O father, in your glory, help me before I am condemned at Christ's Judgment!" When the saint was brought into the Church of the Holy Apostles and placed on the patriarchal throne, then the mass of people heard from his lips the words: "Peace be to all!" The transfer of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom was accomplished in the year 438 (see January 30 and November 13).

From the Hymn of Praise

Saint John, golden-wrought trumpet,Proclaim to men God's mercy,Wondrous mercy, which loves even sinners,Marvelous mercy, which shines through the sun